Share this article

Wade targets Sevens crown

After four trophyless years in a Wasps jersey, England star Christian Wade admits the prospect of claiming the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s title next Friday is one he is relishing.

The 24-year-old lit up the Ricoh Arena with an astonishing seven tries, as Wasps romped to top spot in Group C with three comfortable victories in the midlands leg of the competition.

His opening hat-trick helped his side to a 40-14 win over Harlequins, before a pair of double scores against both Northampton Saints and against Saracens in the final game of the evening saw Wasps triumph 47-5 and 33-10 respectively.

Wade showed he has lost none of the sharpness that saw him once excel on the international 7s stage as an up-and-coming player, but is already firmly focused on guiding his side to glory in next Friday’s final showcase at Twickenham Stoop.

“The Singha 7s is absolutely massive for me,” he said. “I haven't actually played in it since I was 18 or 19, so it's really exciting to be a part of.

“I love sevens, I've always loved sevens and the last time I played was in 2010 before I got injured.

“So I was really really pleased that I got pick tonight, and I'm now looking forward to next week as well at Twickenham Stoop. “We may not have the home crowd there, but I'm sure we'll get a lot of fans down and all the boys are already really looking forward to it.

“Sevens is a game where everyone is there for the rugby, not just to support one team, so hopefully we can put on a good show.

“But it would be huge to lift that trophy. We haven't won this for a long time, so we really want to do it. It would be my first silverware with Wasps too so I'm sure it will be a great occasion.”

Wasps fielded a strong side in the tournament with the likes of Elliot Daly lining up alongside Wade to give the side an international edge.

But skipper Guy Thompson admits Gloucester Rugby will be the side to beat, with the Cherry & Whites looking to make it three straight Singha 7s titles next week.

“We're absolutely ecstatic to go through, and I'm obviously very proud of all the boys,” he said. “Everyone put their hands up at the Ricoh.

“We knew it was going to be tough, as every team is full of young lads wanting to go out and play with nothing to lose, but we know it was only half the job and we've got to turn up tonight and do it all again.

“We're confident after last week, but look at Gloucester who've won it the last two years and they looked really good in their event.

“To lift the trophy would be incredible. It'd be the first bit of silverware for Wasps in a few years, and it's massively important also as a kickstart to where we want to be this season.”